The very end of summer can be a sad time for a lot of us, with the days getting shorter and the weather cooler.
But it's one of the best times of year to see one of the country's prettiest natural phenomenons, with the heather in full bloom over the coming weeks.
The hills and mountains around the UK will be awash with bright purple colours as the flowering shrub nears the end of its flowering season.
There are loads of spots around Leeds and the North West where you can head out into the hills and enjoy the colourful late-summer landscapes.
This National Trust site is slap bang between Leeds and Manchester and, blissfully, is on the train line - so you don't even need to be able to drive to visit.
There are plenty of well-planned routes to follow, but if you want an only-slightly challenging walk, head on the 4.5 mile circular around Deer Hill, which is lined with heather.
This large open space near Sowerby Bridge has so much heather at the right time of year, it's like someone's rolled out the purple carpet.
It's really at its best at this time of year and there are tonnes of pubs nearby to wind down in afterwards.
Ilkley Moor
Just above the spa town of Ilkley is Ilkley Moor, where the heather grows around a rocky outcrop known as the Cow and Calf, which people say resembles a cow sheltering her calf.
It's a popular spot for all sorts of activities, including rock climbing, bird watching and hiking.
Hope Valley
The Hope Valley is a heather hotspot - walks at Bamford Edge, Win Hill, Higger Tor, Owler Tor and Stanage Edge are all stunning.
You really can't go wrong in this rugged, rocky corner of the Peak District, but it might be the staggering symmetry of the heather climbing beside the footpaths of Win Hill that gets out vote.
Walks along Blackden Brook aren't for the inexperienced - it's more of a rocky scramble, complete with streams and tough terrain, than a gentle Sunday hike.
But you'll be rewarded by splashes of purple heather sticking out from this incredible rocky landscape.
The steep climb up to Baslow Edge is well worth it for the sweeping countryside views that greet you at the top.
On a really clear day you can see all the way to Chatsworth House, and even on cloudier days you've got a good chance of spotting a Highland Cow wandering around the rugged landscape.
Featured image: Unsplash
Yorkshire
Ilkley crowned the best place to live in the north by The Sunday Times
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
Spring has well and truly arrived, and so have six baby joeys to Lotherton's Wildlife World.
If you're looking for something so inexplicably cute that it might bring you to the verge of tears, then look no further.
Lotherton Wildlife World, the dedicated zoo of Lotherton country house in Leeds, recently announced the news that all of their wallabies have given birth to their very own joeys.
Posting on Instagram, Lotherton said: "Exciting news! All 6 of our Wallabies have Joeys in their pouch.
"If you look closely you can see the pouch moving. In the next few weeks and months, all the Joeys will start peeking out. They'll continue to grow until they can't fit in the pouch anymore.
"When they leave the pouch they'll still be relying on mum for milk but will start eating solids too like grass, hay and veg! Pop by and see if you can spot a Joey having a wriggle."
And trust us, the pictures don't do these cuties justice.
If you'd like to see them for yourselves, then you can visit Lotherton Hall and its Wildlife World where you'll see a whole host of animals which tell the tale of Lotherton's rich heritage.
From penguins and flamingos to wallabies and capybaras, you can wander through the grounds and learn about the majestic animals and what Lotherton do to protect their future.
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall and their Wildlife World here.
Daisy Jackson -
8th September 2022 
